How to Remove Mould From Bathroom Silicone

Black mould on the silicone around your bath, shower or sink is one of the most common bathroom problems. It looks dirty, and it can be stubborn.

Surface mould can often be cleaned. If it has grown deep into the sealant, replacing the silicone is the only real fix.

What you'll need

• A mould and mildew cleaner (or a bleach-based bathroom cleaner)
• Rubber gloves and an old toothbrush
• Paper towels or cotton pads
• Good ventilation — open a window or turn on the fan

How to clean it

1. Dry the area completely with a towel.
2. Apply the mould cleaner directly to the silicone.
3. For stubborn spots, soak paper towels or cotton pads in the cleaner, press them onto the silicone and leave for a few hours or as the product label suggests.
4. Remove the pads, scrub gently with the toothbrush and rinse with water.
5. Dry the area thoroughly.

When to replace the silicone

If dark marks remain after a couple of treatments, the mould has probably grown inside the sealant. Cut out the old silicone with a sharp blade, clean and dry the joint completely, and apply a fresh bead of mould-resistant bathroom silicone.

Stop mould from coming back

• Run the extractor fan during showers and for 15–20 minutes afterwards.
• Open a window when possible.
• Wipe water off the silicone with a squeegee or towel after showering.
• Clean the bathroom weekly so mould can't take hold.

Mould needs moisture to grow. Keep the bathroom dry and your silicone will stay white much longer.